Climate Change and International Law

This course explores the role of international law in devising ways to mitigate further climate change, and to adapt to those impacts that are already inevitable. The course includes an examination of the current international legal framework on climate change, notably the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol. Particular attention is paid to the Paris Agreement, the outcome of the latest climate conference held in November/December 2015. As the effects of climate change are widespread, the course also addresses other relevant areas of international law – including human rights, trade, and migration – and explores developments in climate change litigation and the concept of climate justice. The course will enable students to understand and critically assess the role of international law in addressing climate change.